What is the difference between a Generic and Brand Name Drug?

A Name-Brand drug is marketed under a specific trade name by a pharmaceutical manufacturer.  In most cases, Name-Brand drugs are still under patent protection, meaning the manufacturer is the sole source for the product but in many Countries around the world this is not the case and a generic alternative is readily available. A generic drug is made with the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand name drug. The generic drug is therapeutically equivalent to the brand name drug but is sold under its chemical or "generic" name.

If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?

Trademark laws do not allow a generic drug to look exactly like the brand-name drug.  However, a generic drug must duplicate the active ingredient.  Colors, flavors, and certain other inactive ingredients may be different.

Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?

No.  Brand-name drugs are generally given patent protection for 20 years from the date of submission of the patent. This provides protection for the innovator who laid out the initial costs (including research, development, and marketing expenses) to develop the new drug.  However, when the patent expires, other drug companies can introduce competitive generic versions, but only after they have been thoroughly tested by the manufacturer and approved by drug agencies.

Are Generic Drugs as Effective as Name-Brand Drugs?

A generic drug contains the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand name drug. The strength and purity of generic medications are strictly regulated. The FDA requires all generic manufacturers to demonstrate that a generic drug will have the same medical effect as its Name-Brand equivalent by measuring the rate and extent of drug absorption. The generic drug should treat your illness or condition with the same effectiveness and safety as its brand name equivalent. Generics have to meet the same rigorous requirements as Name-Brand drugs. 

Are Generic Drugs as Safe as Name-Brand Drugs?

Generics are as safe to use as the brand-name drug.  Each government has a regulatory agency that  must approve all drugs that go on the market.  Generics that are approved must be in the same dosage form (pill or liquid) and be at the same dosage level as the brand name.  They must also be produced using the same standards as the branded drug.  All of the risks, benefits, and side effects are the same.  In fact, sometimes the same company that produces the branded drug will also produce a generic drug once the patent expires.

Are Generic Drugs Less Expensive than Name-Brand Drugs?

YES. The cost of researching, developing and marketing a new drug- including the money spent advertising the product are factored into the price of the branded drug. Generic manufacturers spend considerably less on development and promotion, and therefore can afford to sell their product for less money.

Is the More Expensive Name-Brand Drug of a Better Quality?

No, the quality is the same. Both have to meet the same rigorous requirements and have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as brand-name drugs.

Who Makes Generic Drugs?

Brand name firms frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name drugs but sell them without the brand name.  Others are produced by pharmaceutical companies specializing in the manufacturing of generics. All prescription drug manufacturers must meet rigid FDA, WHO and GMP approval.

Is it legal to order my prescription medication online? 

Yes. Prescriptions for the medications offered are legal to be filled online based on a doctor's review of the medical information you provide. That is why it is imperative that you provide accurate, complete information, so that the online pharmacy can accurately make a determination of the safety of prescribing your requested medication. There are different laws in different jurisdictions pertaining to the importation of medication for personal use. The US FDA regulations allow for the importation of up to a three (3) month supply of prescription medication for personal use. Numerous people have been legally purchasing their prescription medicines online for many years now.